Economy

Despite concerns over a slowdown in some of its main overseas markets, the Philippines rounded out 2012 with solid growth. Domestic demand has helped drive economic expansion, a trend that is forecast to continue into 2013.

Officials from Ajman are hoping that investors can be convinced that size does matter when it comes to setting up shop and are taking the message to overseas markets that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can be a good fit for the Ajman Free Zone (AFZ).

The government in Brunei Darussalam is moving to speed up business processes and improve communication between the public and the private sectors amid calls for the introduction of measures to boost foreign direct investment (FDI).

A landmark return by Turkey to investment grade territory following an 18-year hiatus has brought fresh confidence to the country and could pave the way for a new era of investment.

Alors que le gouvernement ivoirien cherche à renforcer la stabilité politique du pays après 10 années de conflit intermittent, l’économie montre des signes de reprise. Après les violences postélectorales de la fin 2010 et du début 2011, qui ont entraîné une baisse de 5.9 % du produit intérieur brut (PIB), l’activité économique a fortement progressé.

Having maintained 47th place on the World Bank’s latest global survey regarding the ease of doing business, Oman has benefitted from the strong capitalisation of local banks and reforms making it easier to register property and connect to the energy supply. However, the report identifies that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could benefit from improved access to credit and further reforms to liberalise the business environment.